Pit Bull Training

How to Train a Pitbull--Or Just About Any Other Dog For That
Matter

At times Ive been amused by titles like "Pit Bull Training",
"How to train a Pitbull", "Bring out the genius in your Dalmatian",
"Teach Your Chihuahua to Mind You".

After all, its not as if there is some great mystery
locked inside a particular breeds genetic code that makes training
just fall into place once you know it.

The thing is, a lot of people search for training information
related to a specific breedhence the title--Pit Bull Training.

And, it is widely known that certain breeds have traits
that make them well-suited to perform specific jobs.

Sometimes, that involves a specialized kind of training. But,
most dog owners just want a well-mannered companion who doesnt
tear up the house, jump on visitors or run into the street.

The good news is that whether you intend to compete in utility
trials or whether you just prefer that walking your dog doesnt
involve a rotator cuff injury; there is one thing that really
does bring everything about training into focus and make it fall
into place.

It is simply thisunderstanding, I mean really understanding
how dogs learn. Its shocking how few trainers get this. They
still cling to the J & P (jerk and praise) methods that were
widely touted 25 years ago. If you think that is effective pit bull
training, you couldnt be more wrong.

For one thing, during the days when pit bulls were bred as
fighting dogs, one of the traits they were bred for was high
pain tolerance. That doesnt mean that pit bulls dont feel
pain. They do. But, they tolerate it better than many other
breeds.

The particular danger with such methods for this breed is that
it is entirely possible to seriously injure your pit bull before
you realize it because they seem impervious to physical
discomfort. So, if a trainer insists you use a choke, prong or
shock collar--run, don't walk in the opposite direction. That is
not the kind of pit bull training you should be looking for.

The fact is that there is no need to use that kind of antiquated
tactic on any dog now that we know so much more about how dogs
learn best. Training when done right is a source of joy for both
you and your dog.

After all, its a game! It may be a serious game--like a serious
game of chess. Dogs (unless theyve become lethargic from years of
boredom or had it pummeled out of them) love to play games with
their humans.

How Do Dogs Learn Best?

Its called by any number of names. You may have heard it called
positive training, positive reinforcement, clicker training or
shaping. By whatever name it goes, the cornerstone is its
reliance on positive rewards (reinforcements) to modify or shape
desired behavior and to extinguish unwanted behavior.

Generally, its pretty easy to spot dogs that have been trained
with positive techniques. They exhibit a certain joie de
vivre that is lacking in dogs that have been trained with a
heavy reliance on punishment (sometimes called correction).

If youve used aversive training in the past, the newer methods
may take some getting used to. But, positive pit bull training will
absolutely transform your relationship with your dog. The bond that
develops between you and your pit with positive training is
something that has to be experienced to be appreciated.

By the way, do you need to housetrain a puppy? Be sure to check out this excellent article on puppy crate training.

And if you're looking for help with a problem behavior, be sure to check out our section of articles on
dog behavior training.

Getting Started

While there are a few people who are naturals at training this
way, for most of us there is a learning curve. So first, make a
commitment to educate yourself about positive training
methods.

Over the years, Ive worked with my own dogs, hundreds of
shelter dogs and had the privilege of attending workshops that were
held by some of the best trainers in the world--experts like
Karen Pryor and Ian Dunbar. And over time, I plan to
share with you much of what Ive learned on this website and in my free e-zine:
Bully For
You!

Canis Clicker Training offers a complete
home study course that will take you from basic commands to cool tricks. It's available for download online.

Additionally, if clicker training or positive obedience
classes are offered in your area, by all means, check it out.
Most people find that a hands-on class rapidly accelerates their
learning of the techniques. Contact your local humane society or
animal shelter to find out more about classes near you.